A Crash Course in Humility

The Instant Humility Machine.
That’s How I Roll
I stand in the fellowship hall looking for someone standing alone, someone “free.” I want a cup of coffee, see, but I have no way to carry it  to a table from the big friendly urn in the corner. Everywhere I look, our congregants are engaged. 
Over near the door, two couples stand, merrily exchanging tales from the trenches of parenthood.  
Seated at a table, one of our most dedicated church guys–you know, the guy who shows up to fix things on the sly, the guy who is quick to his feet on Sunday morning to share a story of God’s goodness and grace–is chatting with the pastor’s young daughter. 
Don’t misunderstand me–any one of these fine people would gladly fetch a cup of coffee for me, if only I would ask. But I know my husband will be along soon. I know he will bring me coffee and a sweet tidbit from the refreshment table. 
So I wait. 

And in the waiting, I begin to see. 
A mother bends to tie her young son’s shoelaces. 
A young man steps back, yielding a doorway passage to one of our seasoned saints. 

Our pastor makes sure a new family knows about the Easter egg hunt at the park, later. 

My husband brings me coffee and a slice of carrot cake.

Jesus went to the cross for me. And for you.

I get a glimpse of a servant’s life.

I see the servant’s heart that beats in each of us, just watching for chances to share our lives. 

It’s a little bit of Jesus, beating in our chests. 

As I’ve never seen before, I see how weak every blessed one of us is, alone. 

As I’ve never seen before, I see the strong bow down low to serve.

Walkers are for old people, I always figured. So when my orthopedist suggested that I should use one while recovering from a pesky and persistent flare-up in my back, I was, well, taken aback.
We laugh and call it my Hot Wheels. 

We should call it Teacher. 
Flames and a Bell. 
Owning It. 
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV)